The NEW Build Your Own Arcade Controls

Main => Project Announcements => Topic started by: zinger on March 20, 2016, 10:22:27 pm

Title: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on March 20, 2016, 10:22:27 pm
Here's latest picture from this week (8/30/2017)
(http://i.imgur.com/b78QIpE.jpg)

Here's latest picture from this past weekend (5/7/2016). More updates below.
(http://i.imgur.com/1239NIm.jpg)

Here's latest picture from this past weekend (4/30/2016) with the laminate on.
(http://i.imgur.com/Q4iZXDC.jpg)

Before painting.
(http://i.imgur.com/4SwKPsv.jpg)

Project
So I'm planning to build a Donkey Kong cabinet with MAME running on RPi. I would like the cabinet to look as authentic as possible. However, I'll still use an LCD for convenience. Also, I'm planning to have a DK control panel and then another that is more generic to handle games like Robotron. Finally, I'm considering doing two builds at the same time with the other being either a DKJr or Mario. Doing a Mario would be cheaper since its the same paint color but DKJr orange would look nice. Not sure the wife can put it up two builds though.  :)

[Update] Wife will not put up with two builds right now. :(

My first steps so far:
1. Reading ChanceKJ's sticky, johnrt's build, and many other threads. I am pleasantly surprised by all the info out there for doing this.
2. I've ordered the marquee, bezel, and brackets from http://MikesArcade.com (http://MikesArcade.com). I don't want to start building anything until I know these things are going fit.
3. I've contacted http://www.plonkagames.co.uk/ (http://www.plonkagames.co.uk/) for coin doors. Frank promised to set two aside when the next allotment comes in (~8 days).
[Update] Frank from plonkagames has shipped the replica coin door. With shipping to US its about $125 US.
4. I've traced a real DK cabinet onto a plastic template. http://www.homedepot.com/p/1-16-in-x-4-ft-x-8-ft-Plastic-Panel-63003/202090190 (http://www.homedepot.com/p/1-16-in-x-4-ft-x-8-ft-Plastic-Panel-63003/202090190)
5. Printed Gaetan's Coupe (1.1) drawing at FedEx Office on their plotter. It was $13. I laid down the plastic template from #3 on top of this and it matches up very well. I'm going to use the Gaetan plans instead since it has more detail. Also, I found the Jakobud template had several issues. For example, the heights on the right side of the drawing don't add up to match left side.  :-\

(http://i.imgur.com/KHo4VWf.jpg)
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: dmckean on March 21, 2016, 12:40:58 am
The orginal DK used 5/8 thick ply, I would stick with that.

I think you should just stick to original controls, the unique Nintendo joysticks is what makes Donkey Kong what it is.
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: vwalbridge on March 21, 2016, 10:24:58 am
The orginal DK used 5/8 thick ply, I would stick with that.

I think you should just stick to original controls, the unique Nintendo joysticks is what makes Donkey Kong what it is.

+1  In fact, Mike's Nintendo section (https://www.mikesarcade.com/cgi-bin/store.pl?action=search&category=Game+Parts&subcategory=Nintendo+Parts) should be your friend for the next 6 months.
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on March 21, 2016, 09:24:32 pm
Thanks guys! I'll definitely look at doing 5/8ths plywood and original controls for CP.

The bezel/marquee/hardware/side stickers have arrived today from mikesarcade.com (http://mikesarcade.com). I guess I'm really committed to this project now or I'm out $300.
(http://i.imgur.com/mkywTsT.jpg)

I also did a test fit with Gaetan's 1:1 scale plans and it looks good! Thanks Gaetan!
(http://i.imgur.com/yC4mrnX.jpg)
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on March 22, 2016, 04:27:15 pm
I found that a local lumber yard carries plenty of 5/8 plywood (grade A/B) with an actual width of 9/16ths. So this is perfect! I've seen a few threads were folks limited themselves to what Home Depot has which doesn't carry 5/8ths MDF or plywood. I'm not sure they considered a local lumber yard.
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: Gaetan on March 26, 2016, 09:44:00 am
Great another Donkey Kong.  :)
I will follow.

Maybe one day I will do one too in real size.
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on March 27, 2016, 03:33:18 am
Great another Donkey Kong.  :)
I will follow.

Maybe one day I will do one too in real size.
Very cool! Your plans have saved me so much time! Especially, your 1:1 scale drawing.
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on March 27, 2016, 03:47:22 am
Template
Today was the first day of DK cabinet build. First step is to build a template using 1/4" particle board and the Gaetan 1:1 scale drawing.

I used a utility knife to cut out the drawing.
(http://i.imgur.com/YoJPwhH.jpg)

I laid the cut-out drawing on top of the 1/4" particle board for tracing.
(http://i.imgur.com/setCURq.jpg)

It took about 20 minutes to cut out the template with a jig-saw.
(http://i.imgur.com/4B09Y6T.jpg)

The final template matched Gaetan's 1:1 scale drawing almost exactly.
(http://i.imgur.com/aFoTsJg.jpg)

I used the belt sander for the rounded corners and cleanups with Gaetan drawing taped down. Overall, the template took about an hour to trace, cut-out, and sand.
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on March 27, 2016, 04:10:41 am
Route

I used two-sided woodworking tape to help secure the template on top of the plywood. It worked really well.
(http://i.imgur.com/H3b2hJV.jpg)

I cut away excess 5/8" plywood with a jig saw and now its ready for routing.
(http://i.imgur.com/cLMwK20.jpg)

I used a 1/4" pattern bit with a 1.25HP Dewalt Router. It does a great job with cloning the template.
(http://i.imgur.com/TMv2JJp.jpg)

Here you can see the bearing of the pattern bit riding along the top edge of the 1/4" particle board template.
(http://i.imgur.com/OgLVuGh.jpg)

Here's the final result of the edge after routing.
(http://i.imgur.com/3mEaH3Z.jpg)

I have two perfectly matching sides from about ~1.5 hours of setup and routing. I'm really happy with how quick things are going and I owe much of this from having the Gaetan drawings.
(http://i.imgur.com/7MXpP9f.jpg)
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: Wyo on March 27, 2016, 10:44:06 pm
Looking good! Subbed!
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: dmckean on March 27, 2016, 10:46:54 pm
Looking good!
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: Automark on March 28, 2016, 11:53:23 am
Looks good, and reminds me that I have to make a DK cab for the office  ;D
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: DeLuSioNal29 on March 28, 2016, 12:31:41 pm
Subscribed.  Love your attention to detail with your documentation!

Welcome to the forums!

DeL
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on March 29, 2016, 03:41:45 am
Thanks guys!  ;D
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on March 29, 2016, 03:59:44 am
Installing Battons

I decided to install battons to avoid having to screw the panels/shelves from the side of the cabinet. I want to avoid having to use bondo.

So far, installing the battons has been the most time consuming part of this build. Its mainly because I need the battons to be installed in the exactly the same places on both sides and I want everything to fit together nicely. So this means making sure the corners are all square, etc.

I went to Home Depot and didn't find a whole lot of options for battons. I decided to buy 3/4" square dowels that are 36" in length. This saves time as I don't have create battons by ripping larger pieces on the table saw.
(http://i.imgur.com/XWazDqS.jpg)

I made a simple jig to make sure the battons are installed exactly where they need to be. I made sure to pre-drill the holes so the battons don't move when I screw them down.
(http://i.imgur.com/8D3T0S2.jpg)

I added an extra 5/8" to the jig for the top panel.
(http://i.imgur.com/YHk5Nkx.jpg)

I made sure to double check measurements and that all of the battons were square as I installed them.
(http://i.imgur.com/BqMK2it.jpg)

Here is one side that is almost complete.
(http://i.imgur.com/zfZnMpJ.jpg)

Hopefully, I'll have some time this week to install the rest of the battons. Also, this weekend I'm planning to start installing the panels/shelves, etc. Once I dry fit everything then I'll take it all apart for painting.
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on April 05, 2016, 01:27:24 pm
This past weekend I made further progress. I was able to cut all the shelves and panels.

I found that the router is by far the best tool to have when making an arcade cabinet. Here I'm using a router to square up the plywood before cutting it on the table saw.
(http://i.imgur.com/ePRDYId.jpg)

Here's all the shelves and panels stacked up. I used the router to ensure lengths are the same.
(http://i.imgur.com/hKvehD4.jpg)

This is a cedar 2x4 that I'm going to cut down to make the bezel holder and control panel insert.
(http://i.imgur.com/a8k3dsl.jpg)

I ran it through the table saw to get the right dimensions.
(http://i.imgur.com/VNfIXrH.jpg)

It matches up well to the Gaetan 1:1 cut-out.
(http://i.imgur.com/cZZyYQN.jpg)

I set the fence and blade height to cut the metal lower bezel insert. I ran a few passes through.
(http://i.imgur.com/tcE4tQ1.jpg)

Here's the result before sanding. Next weekend, I'm planning to use the table saw, at an angle, to cut out the control panel insert.
(http://i.imgur.com/r4WEc9F.jpg)

I started installing all the panels. This is the marquee light back panel.
(http://i.imgur.com/NTbprNj.jpg)

Everything fit together perfectly. Once the shelves and panels were installed then the other half just set on and locked in place with the battons, etc.
(http://i.imgur.com/UVoStNF.jpg)
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on April 05, 2016, 01:32:54 pm
I did a test fit of all the art work, etc. and it fits! This was the first time I actually tested this. I had pre-measured the Gaetan plans before and never looked back after that. Note, that I did end up buying a $14 sheet of 3/8th plywood for the bottom shelf of the marquee so that I didn't have to do any special routing or cutting for the lower marquee hardware bracket.

(http://i.imgur.com/gbCIUBa.jpg)
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: vwalbridge on April 05, 2016, 02:13:05 pm
Looking real nice.  :applaud:

Are you going to paint or laminate the sides?
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: jennifer on April 05, 2016, 02:24:07 pm
  That's turning out nice, will be difficult to tell it from the real thing from the pics, unless you take a distractive turn from here on out (that will be what people will see) .... It may be overkill, but I buy the wood almost a year before I actually build to get a good cure, (I think they did that with wagon wheels too) but It does give a nice predictable flow to a build however, especially with somewhat sappy like maple....again good job. :applaud:
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on April 05, 2016, 05:12:13 pm
Looking real nice.  :applaud:

Are you going to paint or laminate the sides?
I would rather laminate but don't have any contacts for acquiring the laminate. I was looking at Nevemar Carribean Blue laminate (https://panolam.com/chip/1173 (https://panolam.com/chip/1173)). However, not sure how close this color is to DK blue. Anybody have any suggestions here? If this doesn't pan out then I'm going to paint it.
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on April 05, 2016, 05:18:46 pm
  That's turning out nice, will be difficult to tell it from the real thing from the pics, unless you take a distractive turn from here on out (that will be what people will see) .... It may be overkill, but I buy the wood almost a year before I actually build to get a good cure, (I think they did that with wagon wheels too) but It does give a nice predictable flow to a build however, especially with somewhat sappy like maple....again good job. :applaud:
Thanks! So far I've been able to stay very close to the plans including plywood thickness. Also, the replica coin door from Plonka is on its way. I'm getting to the point where I might just buy a Sanyo 20" CRT and board, etc.

That's dedication to let your wood sit for a year. I chose to let my wood cure in the shape of a DK cabinet. :)
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: vwalbridge on April 05, 2016, 05:34:13 pm
Looking real nice.  :applaud:

Are you going to paint or laminate the sides?
I would rather laminate but don't have any contacts for acquiring the laminate. I was looking at Nevemar Carribean Blue laminate (https://panolam.com/chip/1173 (https://panolam.com/chip/1173)). However, not sure how close this color is to DK blue. Anybody have any suggestions here? If this doesn't pan out then I'm going to paint it.

Here is a Nintendo Laminate Color Match  (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=150293.msg1570307#msg1570307) post I just made.  :)  It might help you decide.
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on April 05, 2016, 06:31:51 pm
Looking real nice.  :applaud:

Are you going to paint or laminate the sides?
I would rather laminate but don't have any contacts for acquiring the laminate. I was looking at Nevemar Carribean Blue laminate (https://panolam.com/chip/1173 (https://panolam.com/chip/1173)). However, not sure how close this color is to DK blue. Anybody have any suggestions here? If this doesn't pan out then I'm going to paint it.
Here is a Nintendo Laminate Color Match  (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=150293.msg1570307#msg1570307) post I just made.  :)  It might help you decide.
The color looks like a great match but I'm not digging the egg shell texture. Do they have a smooth version of this? Or is there a way to smooth it? Also, thanks for sharing your experience on this!
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: vwalbridge on April 05, 2016, 06:48:22 pm
There was a gentleman on KLOV that has used the Caribbean blue on his DK restore. He says that the swatch has texture but the actually sheet you order is much more smooth. Not perfectly smooth, but apparently "smooth enough". As I understand it, The red swatch is the only color that comes in smooth. You could also call them to see if they offer the blue in smooth.

Here are some before and after shots of Hailrazer's restore. (from KLOV) I think one could get over slight texture differences given the overall results. Also, I think the texture is what helps to keep the surface from scuffing/marring/hazing as much over time. A perfectly smooth surface would be much more scratch-prone.

(http://jonjandran.com/pics/jonjandran/DK14.jpg)
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on April 05, 2016, 06:55:48 pm
Actually, the texture wouldn't look all that bad. I am mainly concerned about the side art appearing bumpy. However, I think I can just sand behind where the sticker will go. I think this is the solution I'll go with! Thanks!

Hopefully, I can order these sheets of laminate! Also, I'll have to buy a laminate trim router bit.
Title: .
Post by: ChanceKJ on April 06, 2016, 05:49:29 pm
.
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on April 07, 2016, 05:56:13 pm
Awesome project!

Added to the list. (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,144583.0.html)
Cool thanks!
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on April 07, 2016, 05:58:42 pm
The coin door from Frank at Plonka Games (http://www.plonkagames.co.uk/ (http://www.plonkagames.co.uk/)) arrived! So I can cut the coin door this weekend.

(http://i.imgur.com/85Pd6GG.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/nQj4IOP.jpg)
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on April 10, 2016, 12:41:06 am
I was planning to buy the Nintendo Coin Door bolt set from MikesArcade.com for $10. However, they were out! Actually, that ended up being a good thing. After striking out at Home Depot, I found that Ace Hardware carries these bolts!

They are 3/8" carriage bolts and were labeled #10-24 1 1/4" inch. They had multiple lengths as well. I bought 11 of these for $1.32 and some nuts for another $1.20.
(http://i.imgur.com/xhJLVpF.jpg)

It fits the coin door perfectly!
(http://i.imgur.com/c1ynokX.jpg)

The box contained a mix of bolts. Some had a smooth head and others with writing on them. I didn't realize this at first.
(http://i.imgur.com/GqHFObt.jpg)

Also, Ace Hardware contained a wide assortment of black screws which Home Depot did not have any of. These will be useful for the upper marquee bracket.
(http://i.imgur.com/YlKeIsF.jpg)
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on April 10, 2016, 12:49:13 am
I also talked to the folks at https://www.topcabinethardware.com (https://www.topcabinethardware.com) to order the DK blue laminate (Nevamar Carribean Blue S3070T) https://www.topcabinethardware.com/top-cabinet-hardware/product/16153-s3070t-4x8-v3 (https://www.topcabinethardware.com/top-cabinet-hardware/product/16153-s3070t-4x8-v3). Hopefully, I can get that shipped out this next week.

See vwalbridge's thread "Nintendo Laminate color matches" at http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,150293.0.html (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,150293.0.html).
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: jennifer on April 10, 2016, 11:21:50 am
   Jenn would go back and get some more  without the casting stamp on them.... If you polish those heads on those carriage bolts (I use neverdull and paper towel) you will scrub some black off there. This not only makes them sparkle, but puts a protective coating on the zinc witch helps inhibit rust, and lubricates the threads for easy disassembly someday. Quick and fast however, don't rub the plating off them....Should you be so inclined. ;D
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on April 10, 2016, 04:27:37 pm
   Jenn would go back and get some more  without the casting stamp on them.... If you polish those heads on those carriage bolts (I use neverdull and paper towel) you will scrub some black off there. This not only makes them sparkle, but puts a protective coating on the zinc witch helps inhibit rust, and lubricates the threads for easy disassembly someday. Quick and fast however, don't rub the plating off them....Should you be so inclined. ;D
Luckily, I figured this out before leaving the store.  :) Good tip on Nevr-Dull. Maybe it can help clean the coin mech?

I just bought these 2 coin mechs off of e-bay. Any tips for how to clean these up?
(http://i.imgur.com/3Ib6n7T.jpg)

Also, any advice for hooking these up into a I-PAC 2? Anything else special needed? Here's the side pic of one of them.
(http://i.imgur.com/MClRPd2.jpg)

Finally, I won't have any time to work on DK this weekend. :( I'm expecting to get a lot done next weekend.
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: jennifer on April 10, 2016, 05:53:26 pm
   The plating is compromised, Depending on your budget and level of restore... Clean them with simple green /water, Or paint them, Or send them out to be plated, Or buy a simple home plating kit (eastwood has a nice entry level kit) and try it at home.  To strip the plating (after disassembly of course and before paint or home kit) I would try a hydrochloric, or sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) as a remover as apposed to sanding, but that's just me. ;).... Most around here will most likely say spray paint I would venture to guess, a simple clean fast cheap approach, but suffers a bit in longevity.
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: vwalbridge on April 10, 2016, 07:49:14 pm
Yep, Jenn is right. Those coin mechs have a special plating on them that has chipped off. If you are up for it, I'd sand them smooth and then rub them with some steel wool to get some of the luster back. I can't guarantee this will work, but I've done it with other metal parts with success. The steel wool at the end is what gives the shine back.

Worst case you can get some replacement faces at mikesarcade.com

Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on April 11, 2016, 12:10:25 am
   The plating is compromised, Depending on your budget and level of restore... Clean them with simple green /water, Or paint them, Or send them out to be plated, Or buy a simple home plating kit (eastwood has a nice entry level kit) and try it at home.  To strip the plating (after disassembly of course and before paint or home kit) I would try a hydrochloric, or sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) as a remover as apposed to sanding, but that's just me. ;).... Most around here will most likely say spray paint I would venture to guess, a simple clean fast cheap approach, but suffers a bit in longevity.
Makes sense. It seems like re-plating is really the best option if I were to restore them.

Yep, Jenn is right. Those coin mechs have a special plating on them that has chipped off. If you are up for it, I'd sand them smooth and then rub them with some steel wool to get some of the luster back. I can't guarantee this will work, but I've done it with other metal parts with success. The steel wool at the end is what gives the shine back.

Worst case you can get some replacement faces at mikesarcade.com
Thanks! The face plates from mikesarcade.com are rather cheap. So this may be the best option. Although, I'm willing to experiment with these plates to see if I could restore them. The Eastwood kit sounds interesting.
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: jennifer on April 11, 2016, 02:50:12 pm
        Your best option would be the replacement as V/bridge suggested.... I tend to be highly experimental at times. More about the workbench and processes than the actual project. :-\
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: bplail on April 11, 2016, 10:04:15 pm
Cabinet is looking good so far!  :applaud:
Wish I used batons on mine now  :'(
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on April 16, 2016, 11:59:49 pm
Cabinet is looking good so far!  :applaud:
Wish I used batons on mine now  :'(
I got the idea from johnrt's build for using battons. Not only did I avoid having to use bondo but it made it easier to properly align the two sides.
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on April 17, 2016, 12:06:53 am
I got the new coin mech face plates from mikesarcade.com (http://mikesarcade.com). I found out from Tony, from mikesarcade, that the face plates come directly from Asahi Seiko and are not reproductions. Asahi Seiko doesn't sell the KWM-740 mechs anymore. So I'm wondering how many more of these face plates they'll have.

(http://i.imgur.com/AovBI4O.jpg)

I hooked up one of the coin mechs to make sure everything fits.
(http://i.imgur.com/cPPHISY.jpg)
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on April 17, 2016, 12:21:51 am
Stuff from ebay started coming in. I scored 3 joysticks that appear from Nintendo VS, which I hope I can make work, and 2 wiring harnesses. I also got some replacement parts from Mikes to fix up the joy sticks including a 4-way restrictor plate. I'll follow Nerdtendo's guide to cleaning up joysticks.

(http://i.imgur.com/4VBMqwX.jpg)

One of the joysticks was in really bad shape.
(http://i.imgur.com/4WgGzsI.jpg)

I cleaned it up a bit and removed all the rust that I could. It still needs some more work. Also, I'll no longer need the plastic parts. I'll use the DK style guards.

Also, I found a cheap monitor that works really well. I took the base off.
(http://i.imgur.com/OQhI3g2.jpg)

The back has the mounting holes that I need.
(http://i.imgur.com/aadIBz8.jpg)
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on April 17, 2016, 02:55:45 am
A test of my new backlight.

(http://i.imgur.com/tYM2ral.png)
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on April 17, 2016, 11:43:23 am
I got around to cutting the insert for the control panel. I found the insert angle to be between 14-15 degrees using the Gaetan plans and some trig.

I set the angle of the table saw to ~15 degrees.
(http://i.imgur.com/GVB7ctz.jpg)

I marked where I needed to cut.
(http://i.imgur.com/c3FLL8h.jpg)

I ran multiple passes across the table saw.
(http://i.imgur.com/WillqGs.jpg)

Test fit using the speaker panel (flipped) to see if this kind of cut will work. This diverges from the original plans. I can always cut out more if this doesn't work well using an actual 5/8" dado setup.
(http://i.imgur.com/KGlrWPb.jpg)

Test fit in the cabinet. I'm hoping the panel should lift easily out of this insert since the profile of the back edge becomes smaller as you lift the front up. We'll see.
(http://i.imgur.com/ZisxWxL.jpg)

The bottom side.
(http://i.imgur.com/9P6UkyF.jpg)

I haven't cut out the actual control panel yet.
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: jennifer on April 17, 2016, 07:33:06 pm
     I was all trying to see your dado blade, and got all ??? ??? (then reread your post) That seems to be a good fit... That craftsman seems like a nice saw, and might consider getting one, I am using a cheap saw on my current project just to prove they are not crude and dangerous (subject of a "cheap saws suck" thread) but sold my good saw just as not to be tempted to cheat, and kind of miss it sometimes.... Btw Jennifer just LOVES those new coin plates!!
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: romshark on April 17, 2016, 08:04:35 pm
Cabinet is looking good so far!  :applaud:
Wish I used batons on mine now  :'(
I got the idea from johnrt's build for using battons. Not only did I avoid having to use bondo but it made it easier to properly align the two sides.

I tried cutting my own for my build, but they didn't come out even at all. I saw you got nice looking square dowel rods at Home Depot, so I'll do the same (luckily I only glued a couple in place so far on the base, and I can probably pull them off). Thanks for posting about that.  :)
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on April 18, 2016, 12:13:07 am
     I was all trying to see your dado blade, and got all ??? ??? (then reread your post) That seems to be a good fit... That craftsman seems like a nice saw, and might consider getting one, I am using a cheap saw on my current project just to prove they are not crude and dangerous (subject of a "cheap saws suck" thread) but sold my good saw just as not to be tempted to cheat, and kind of miss it sometimes.... Btw Jennifer just LOVES those new coin plates!!
I would have had to buy a dado for this and they are expensive. So decided to give this a try first. Also, this Craftsman table saw is not great but I'm able to make it work. I always have to use a triangle or T-square to make sure the guide is set correctly, blade is square to the table, etc. With nicer ones you don't have to do this.

Yeah, I'm loving the new coin mech face plates as well. It wouldn't have looked nearly as good if I tried to re-plate the old ones myself. :)

I tried cutting my own for my build, but they didn't come out even at all. I saw you got nice looking square dowel rods at Home Depot, so I'll do the same (luckily I only glued a couple in place so far on the base, and I can probably pull them off). Thanks for posting about that.  :)
The square dowels worked out well. I did have to lay them out on the floor at Home Depot to make sure there was no warping in any of them. Generally, they were fairly straight.

Also, when cutting the dowels, I made sure to cut for both sides at the same time and used a jig to make sure they were offset exactly the same way. Of course this means your two sides need to perfectly match as well.
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on April 18, 2016, 02:49:45 am
I cut the control panel board with a 15 degree bevel on back side. It fits great and lifts up with no problems. Also, I cut out the coin door but that was uninteresting. I marked off what I needed to cut out using measurements from the Gaetan plans. Then used drill and jig saw to cut out the coin door opening. Its a bit tight as the coin door fits snugly in the opening. I may need to widen it just a bit.

Finally, I've ordered the Nevamar Caribbean Blue S3070T laminate and it ships out on Monday. I may have it in time for next weekend. I've waited to cut the t-molding slots until the laminate is installed. I want to make sure the t-molding overlaps the laminate properly. Also, I haven't decided yet whether to cut the speaker opening before or after the laminate is installed. If I can do it after then I just need to route once but I need to get it right the first time. :o

Everything in the picture below is a dry fit. I haven't glued any of the battons down, etc. Also, planning to laminate the sides, and paint the interior black with it completely taken apart.
(http://i.imgur.com/4SwKPsv.jpg)
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: jennifer on April 18, 2016, 09:40:29 am
   Although I can understand the reasoning behind disassembly before paint, However in practice its a bad idea, your joints become compromised as far as adhesion goes. FWIW plating kits can achieve such results, just dealing with caustic chems is all....That thing looks awesome, GREAT JOB! :applaud:
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on April 18, 2016, 04:01:34 pm
   Although I can understand the reasoning behind disassembly before paint, However in practice its a bad idea, your joints become compromised as far as adhesion goes. FWIW plating kits can achieve such results, just dealing with caustic chems is all....That thing looks awesome, GREAT JOB! :applaud:
Thanks! Right now only battons are holding everything together and I have not applied any glue yet. I also minimized the number of screws that I have used as I'm completely counting on the glue for strength.  So I'm not sure how any joints will be compromised.
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: jennifer on April 18, 2016, 06:24:06 pm
   You would want to glue wood to wood not wood to paint, that would add a layer of compromised.
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on April 23, 2016, 11:16:41 pm
I decided to buy a DK control panel overlay from http://www.arcadeshop.com/ (http://www.arcadeshop.com/). The quality is fairly good but I don't have a reference to compare it to.

(http://i.imgur.com/3wUWhZm.jpg)

It bugs me a bit that the graphic doesn't line up perfectly with the holes. For example, compare 1-Player and 2-Player holes.
(http://i.imgur.com/wdbaRRM.jpg)

Also, its hard to see in the pictures but the silkscreen is a bit splotchy along the edge. Its not a perfectly clean edge. Although, I don't have a real DK panel to compare to.
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on April 23, 2016, 11:21:32 pm
My laminate arrived today! I bought 2 sheets of 4x8.
(http://i.imgur.com/9Twr4kN.jpg)

Its textured but you have to look up close to see that. Here's an up-close shot of the texture.
(http://i.imgur.com/eJUxNH6.jpg)

Its almost as thin as a piece of paper. Actually looks thick here but its not at all.
(http://i.imgur.com/ir03hif.jpg)

I purchased vertical grade Nevamar S-3070 T Caribbean Blue laminate.
(http://i.imgur.com/R4UnkwF.jpg)
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: vwalbridge on April 23, 2016, 11:45:19 pm
Anxious to see how your laminate turns out. Looking nice.
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on April 23, 2016, 11:54:55 pm
Anxious to see how your laminate turns out. Looking nice.
Me too! I'm hoping to install it all tomorrow. I'll do a test piece first with some t-molding to see how it looks.
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: harveybirdman on April 24, 2016, 12:36:49 am
Make sure to use the dowel method if you accidentally touch the two pieces and they're misaligned you will damage the laminate trying to get the two pieces off eachother.
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on April 24, 2016, 12:58:20 am
Make sure to use the dowel method if you accidentally touch the two pieces and they're misaligned you will damage the laminate trying to get the two pieces off eachother.
Could you explain this a bit further? Are you referring to the actual process of installing the laminate or something else?

Regarding installing the laminate, my plan is to first do a rough cut of the laminate, glue it down, roll it out, and finally use a trim router bit to make the laminate flush.
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: PL1 on April 24, 2016, 02:33:50 am
Could you explain this a bit further?
Check out the video here (http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/video/0,,1639675,00.html).

Keep in mind that the vertical-grade laminate you're working with is more flexible than the horizontal-grade laminate shown in the video so you may want to use more dowels.

my plan is to first do a rough cut of the laminate, glue it down, roll it out, and finally use a trim router bit to make the laminate flush.
Add the dowel spacers and you've got it.   ;D


Scott
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: harveybirdman on April 24, 2016, 03:08:17 am
About 4 min 12 seconds in, it will make perfect sense when you see it.

https://youtu.be/G-28Wl2f24I


In case you didn't get it from PL1'S vid.
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on April 24, 2016, 10:49:22 am
In case you didn't get it from PL1'S vid.
Thanks guys! You likely saved me a bunch of trouble. :)
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on April 24, 2016, 09:27:38 pm
I took it all apart to start the process of painting and applying the laminate.
(http://i.imgur.com/Hk5rNgG.jpg)

I glued down the battons.
(http://i.imgur.com/F3RpWOJ.jpg)

I slot routed the side panels for t-molding. I made sure the t-molding will cover the side of the laminate.
(http://i.imgur.com/PYEgCQW.jpg)

However, it started raining and hailing. It was too cold to laminate the sides. So I'll have to wait until next weekend. :(
(http://i.imgur.com/ge4efoY.jpg)

I did go and buy the dowels from Home Depot. It was 14 ft of closet pole that had severe warping. They gave me 75% off which I cut into 4 pieces.
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: harveybirdman on April 24, 2016, 09:54:46 pm
Dang I was hoping you got it laminated when I started reading your update.

Oh well looking good so far.  Wear clothes that don't matter when you laminate. I have contact cement stains on one of my best pair of jeans.
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: wp34 on April 24, 2016, 10:48:03 pm
That blue laminate looks fantastic.  I'm anxious to see it on the cabinet.

You can use spray on adhesive as well when laminating.  It is an amazingly fast and easy process.
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,116519.msg1253352.html#msg1253352 (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,116519.msg1253352.html#msg1253352)

Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: yotsuya on April 25, 2016, 10:46:03 am
Dang I was hoping you got it laminated when I started reading your update.

Oh well looking good so far.  Wear clothes that don't matter when you laminate. I have contact cement stains on one of my best pair of jeans.
At least you didn't PBJ it and almost cut your pee-pee off....
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: wp34 on April 27, 2016, 05:20:45 pm
Any progress?

Where did you order your laminate? 
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on April 28, 2016, 12:23:50 am
Any progress?

Where did you order your laminate? 
I tried contacting a few local places in Oregon but none of them had the laminate or had access to it. So I ordered the laminate from https://topcabinethardware.com/ (https://topcabinethardware.com/) located in Florida. I called them up and talked to a guy named John and placed the order over the phone. He said they had some sheets of the Nevamar Caribbean Blue laminate in their warehouse and could ship it out right away.

Here's the damage fromTop Cabinet Hardware (https://topcabinethardware.com/):
(http://i.imgur.com/tgA8MmB.png)

I probably should have looked harder for a better deal. But I just want to get this thing done and have it look nice. :)

The weather has been cold here in Oregon for the past few days. Its supposed to be in the 80s this weekend. So I'm hoping to have all laminating done by Saturday.

I did cut the laminate for the sides.
(http://i.imgur.com/pHxHXC2.jpg)

I'm also planning to stay up a bit late tonight and paint the black parts.
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: n3wt0n on April 28, 2016, 07:43:18 am
This is looking great! I am looking forward to seeing the laminate finished and on the cab. Also, totally off topic but your garage floor looks amazing. What is the finish on it?
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: wp34 on April 28, 2016, 10:04:45 am
Thanks zinger.  That's where I was looking to order as well.   :cheers:
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on April 28, 2016, 10:32:34 am
This is looking great! I am looking forward to seeing the laminate finished and on the cab. Also, totally off topic but your garage floor looks amazing. What is the finish on it?
I painted it with Rust-Oleum-EpoxyShield-2-gal-Gray-2 Part High Gloss Epoxy Garage Floor Coating Kit (http://www.homedepot.com/p/Rust-Oleum-EpoxyShield-2-gal-Gray-2-Part-High-Gloss-Epoxy-Garage-Floor-Coating-Kit-251870/100671422):
(http://i.imgur.com/TYeMkLg.png)

It took a few days to prep the floor (e.g. clean, acid etch, etc.)  and a few hours to do the actual painting and throw on the blue and white flecks which was the easy part.

Its been about a year and half and it still looks good. The paint is waterproof and so I have a squeegee it often when it rains. But at the same time that process keeps it clean.
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: n3wt0n on April 28, 2016, 11:55:07 am
Thanks for the floor info Zinger. I may do mine in that. I like it.
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on May 01, 2016, 12:08:31 am
It was still a bit too cold to laminate today. :hissy:  So I spent an hour on the control panel.

I cut out the holes, routed out a recess for the joystick, and routed the slot for the t-molding. I'll paint tonight and cut the rabbet tomorrow. I'll wait to cut the retainer slot until I have the cabinet back together. I want to make sure its in the right spot.
(http://i.imgur.com/tvSwioX.jpg)

Of course I had to dry fit everything to make sure it works!
(http://i.imgur.com/lXx459j.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/ryk9ssX.jpg)

Here's one of the wiring harnesses that I picked up off of ebay. I'll have to clean it up a bit and find a clean way to hook it up to the I-Pac 2. Any suggestions?
(http://i.imgur.com/agULv6U.jpg)
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on May 02, 2016, 12:01:34 am
Finally, we have some warm weather! I was able to get all the laminating done.  :notworthy:

I needed to laminate everything at once because I had only 1 short nap roller. Here's everything laid out and ready for contact cement.
(http://i.imgur.com/W2Gwq1U.jpg)

I used this stuff.
(http://i.imgur.com/hhtIGJC.jpg)

This roller worked well but I was surprised by how quickly the contact cement was used up. I almost used the whole can.
(http://i.imgur.com/JBwbNGI.jpg)

I rolled it on the plywood and back of laminate.
(http://i.imgur.com/kA1l3iK.jpg)

I waited 20 minutes for it to dry.
(http://i.imgur.com/RRX4pkr.jpg)

I used dowels, thanks to you guys, to make sure I can properly place the laminate into position.
(http://i.imgur.com/1ULS2xh.jpg)

Placing the laminate over the dowels took 2 people. The laminate is also delicate and can crack or break easy. So have to be careful.
(http://i.imgur.com/FY4RelQ.jpg)

I started rolling it out as I took the dowels out starting from center.
(http://i.imgur.com/sYsmUu7.jpg)

All done! Well at least with getting the laminate on there.
(http://i.imgur.com/AlCJ7kr.jpg)
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on May 02, 2016, 12:11:30 am
I used a trim router bit where the bearing is on the bottom instead of top. It cut through the laminate like butter.
(http://i.imgur.com/1t3tHn7.jpg)

I'm very happy with the results!
(http://i.imgur.com/gxAySPS.jpg)

I drilled a hole in the middle as a starting point for trimming out the coin door. As you can see I narrowly avoided disaster.  :angel: I was smart to drill the hole in the middle!
(http://i.imgur.com/9HZyHk0.jpg)

All is good and the coin door came out great!
(http://i.imgur.com/Vytitbx.jpg)

I trimmed the side panels and that went great as well.
(http://i.imgur.com/MComQHH.jpg)

Here's one of the sides! Looks awesome in person!
(http://i.imgur.com/wrF3Ol2.jpg)
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on May 02, 2016, 12:26:00 am
If I were to do this build over again then I would have the nice side of the plywood facing in (i.e. the parts I painted black).

I would definitely recommend laminating over plywood vs trying to use MDF for a DK build. Its like having a perfect paint job!
(http://i.imgur.com/IaSfWyf.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/XdOgHn1.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/Nbez1Gt.jpg)
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: dmckean on May 02, 2016, 12:54:51 am
Beautiful job!
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: harveybirdman on May 02, 2016, 08:17:06 am
Very nice job man!
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: wp34 on May 02, 2016, 09:39:14 am
That looks fantastic.  Well done.   :cheers:
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: vwalbridge on May 02, 2016, 10:09:35 am
Yep, laminate is definitely the way to go over paint. Your machine is going to look so much better for it. And more authentic.  :cheers:


Now if you could just get a real DK PCB and CRT in that machine....   ;)
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on May 02, 2016, 11:20:38 am
Thanks guys! Here's a pic of it back together. I'll cut the speaker holes next weekend.

(http://i.imgur.com/Q4iZXDC.jpg)

Here's the latest for the control panel. The DK instruction sticker is not "stuck" on yet and I need to clean up a joystick to put in there.
(http://i.imgur.com/dUFQsSV.jpg)

I'll find some time this week to actually put the stickers on.
(http://i.imgur.com/dTD2sAX.jpg)
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: harveybirdman on May 02, 2016, 12:25:08 pm
Can't say enough about laminate, it's a great option over painting and you did a great job executing the application!

You might want to add your photos to the forum though, it would be a shame to lose this as an example of a laminated Nintendo cab for posterity.
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on May 02, 2016, 05:03:03 pm
Can't say enough about laminate, it's a great option over painting and you did a great job executing the application!

You might want to add your photos to the forum though, it would be a shame to lose this as an example of a laminated Nintendo cab for posterity.
Agreed, its a great option over painting but its definitely a lot more expensive.

Which one is "the forum"?
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: harveybirdman on May 02, 2016, 05:14:29 pm
PL1
Global Moderator
Trade Count: (+1)
Full Member
*****
Offline Offline
 
Posts: 5430
2013 UCA Awardee
View Profile  Email  Personal Message (Offline)

Re: Sonic & Tails 2 player upright
« Reply #3 on: March 14, 2014, 03:50:17 am »
QuoteQuote
Quote from: nugarp on March 14, 2014, 02:11:51 am
I couldn't (quickly) figure out how to insert images in the middle of the thread that I was also attaching at the same time.
There's a stickied thread here for posting images.

Post your images there and link to them (not the thumbnails  :lol) using the  icon to insert the IMG tags in your post.

Lots of formerly well-documented builds are now almost worthless because someone rearranged/"cleaned up" their image folders . . . or had their account revoked . . . or the photo service went out of business . . . or exceeded their monthly traffic allowance . . . .  :soapbox:

If the pics are vital to telling the story of your build, please host them here.

If you're posting 120 pictures that aren't vital to telling the story, those are probably better hosted elsewhere.   ;D
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: yamatetsu on May 02, 2016, 05:17:20 pm
This sticky NOT A PROJECT III - Thread for Posting Images to Link in our project threads (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=149895.0) is in the 'project announcements' forum.

If you post your pics there, they are hosted on the BYOAC server, which guarantees that they will always be there. If the hoster you are using now keels over, your pictures will be gone, leaving us with an interesting thread without pics.
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: yotsuya on May 02, 2016, 06:02:14 pm


If you post your pics there, they are hosted on the BYOAC server, which guarantees that they will always be there.

That's assuming BYOAC is available. >:-)
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: DeLuSioNal29 on May 06, 2016, 01:19:25 pm
Nice work!  Now you've got me pondering what I should do with my Nintendo cab.  I've already bought the paint for Radarscope Red.  But I'm REALLY considering the gloss red.  Hmm.

Eager to see the rest.  Get going on those stickers!   :applaud:

DeL
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on May 06, 2016, 11:57:46 pm
Nice work!  Now you've got me pondering what I should do with my Nintendo cab.  I've already bought the paint for Radarscope Red.  But I'm REALLY considering the gloss red.  Hmm.

Eager to see the rest.  Get going on those stickers!   :applaud:

DeL
That's easy! I would go with a smooth Radarscope red laminate. :)

I'm planning to do the following this weekend:
1. Wheels
2. Speaker Holes
3. Stickers (I'm looking for original placement of DK instruction sticker on bezel)
4. Cleanup and install joystick.
5. Install monitor

If anything I want to at least get 1 through 3 done.


Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on May 07, 2016, 12:05:12 am
Here's some pics from last weekend.

I built the base using the cedar 2x4s that I had bought for the bezel. I used a compound mitre saw for the cuts. I used oil based black paint.
(http://i.imgur.com/EyFw7ze.jpg)

I bought the t-molding from https://www.t-molding.com/ (https://www.t-molding.com/). Note that 20ft is not enough for control panel as well. See last pic.
(http://i.imgur.com/Tuc95CS.jpg)

I cut notches out of the spine for some of the curves. It wouldn't stay in otherwise.
(http://i.imgur.com/iMmAaw7.jpg)

Here you can see I ran out of t-molding because of the amount needed for control panel and small strip for testing. So both sides have this same amount of missing t-molding.
(http://i.imgur.com/z6nklEl.jpg)
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on May 07, 2016, 12:15:21 am
PL1
Global Moderator
Trade Count: (+1)
Full Member
*****
Offline Offline
 
Posts: 5430
2013 UCA Awardee
View Profile  Email  Personal Message (Offline)

Re: Sonic & Tails 2 player upright
« Reply #3 on: March 14, 2014, 03:50:17 am »
QuoteQuote
Quote from: nugarp on March 14, 2014, 02:11:51 am
I couldn't (quickly) figure out how to insert images in the middle of the thread that I was also attaching at the same time.
There's a stickied thread here for posting images.

Post your images there and link to them (not the thumbnails  :lol) using the  icon to insert the IMG tags in your post.

Lots of formerly well-documented builds are now almost worthless because someone rearranged/"cleaned up" their image folders . . . or had their account revoked . . . or the photo service went out of business . . . or exceeded their monthly traffic allowance . . . .  :soapbox:

If the pics are vital to telling the story of your build, please host them here.

If you're posting 120 pictures that aren't vital to telling the story, those are probably better hosted elsewhere.   ;D
Sounds good. I was assuming that imgur.com would be around longer than anything else since huge sites like reddit depend on that being up. However, I'll upload the original hi-res pics.
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on May 08, 2016, 02:05:30 pm
I bought some wheels from Home Depot that were exactly 3.5" high which works perfectly.

Marked the holes for where the wheels are going.
(http://i.imgur.com/5OKs2Ug.jpg)

Wheels are installed.
(http://i.imgur.com/HQ2FmDX.jpg)

The height is good!
(http://i.imgur.com/vrNbQ2k.jpg)

Now its much easier moving the cab around the garage. I should have done this much sooner!
(http://i.imgur.com/D0Obp3S.jpg)
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on May 08, 2016, 02:13:06 pm
I had bought some VS joysticks on ebay. I needed to clean one of these up. I sort of followed Nerdtendo's guide except I didn't have the polish he used.

I bought sandpaper.
(http://i.imgur.com/jSiEBo9.jpg)

Here's the joystick I'm cleaning. Its in really bad shape.
(http://i.imgur.com/p8gFTH5.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/PlNbFu0.jpg)

I attached it to a drill and here's the result after 400 grit sandpaper.
(http://i.imgur.com/BivfpxY.jpg)

Here's the result after 1500 grit. Starting to get worried about the anisotropic reflections.
(http://i.imgur.com/hb6XLzx.jpg)

I used this rubbing compound for treating scratches on cars. I figured this would work.
(http://i.imgur.com/BLM62ZI.jpg)

And it worked awesome!
(http://i.imgur.com/2qx1P6t.jpg)

I bought new parts from mikesarcade.com. I cleaned the rust off the joystick base and cleaned out the ball. Its going to be hiding under the control panel. So not too picky here.
(http://i.imgur.com/YG46NNu.jpg)
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on May 08, 2016, 02:21:17 pm
Now that I have a clean joystick. I need to finish up the control panel.

Routed out the retainer clip recess.
(http://i.imgur.com/qfNGFON.jpg)

Drilled the rest of the holes. The drill slipped as I was drilling one of the holes for latch clip. I should have been more careful. Anyway, you won't be able to see it.\
(http://i.imgur.com/yIEer3B.jpg)

Sanded it to remove all pencil marks.
(http://i.imgur.com/ctXEcZn.jpg)

The top view. Next time I'll cut everything before painting.
(http://i.imgur.com/uU5nMyt.jpg)

Installed all the components. The screws are way too long for the joystick and latch clips.
(http://i.imgur.com/Hy7MikL.jpg)

The top side.
(http://i.imgur.com/G0yeeu0.jpg)
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on May 09, 2016, 08:30:03 pm
I applied all the stickers except for coin stickers.

I used the following two videos for reference.
Tighe's restoration video (https://youtu.be/e91NybttYBg?t=3864)
Donkey Kong Side Art Application "Kong Off 4" by Richie Knucklez (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-PtytTpG7g)

I taped the sticker into place at 4.75" from top and 2.25" from back. I made reference marks.
(http://i.imgur.com/1tHYeXf.jpg)

I drew directly on the laminate with pencil for reference lines. Easy to clean up after.
(http://i.imgur.com/6k748TJ.jpg)

I used the roller I bought for applying the laminate.
(http://i.imgur.com/F6Ao4X4.jpg)

Was a lot easier than I thought except my hands started to ache from pressing too hard with roller.
(http://i.imgur.com/tNHTbRs.jpg)

Finished result.
(http://i.imgur.com/QK5fh8B.jpg)

I used a Magic Eraser to wipe the pencil marks off.
(http://i.imgur.com/b7PlJuK.jpg)(http://i.imgur.com/3UERvZj.jpg)

Progress on cabinet so far. Going to have to wait until next weekend on cutting speaker holes.
(http://i.imgur.com/1239NIm.jpg)
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: harveybirdman on May 09, 2016, 09:04:14 pm
I'm no DK lover by any means but brother your build is looking super clean.

Speaker grill should be a cinch with a small flush trim bit, you already cut the slots in the wood right?
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: dmckean on May 09, 2016, 11:18:56 pm
I'm no DK lover by any means but brother your build is looking super clean.

Speaker grill should be a cinch with a small flush trim bit, you already cut the slots in the wood right?

It's the cleanest and quickest build I've seen.
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on May 10, 2016, 05:15:53 pm
I'm no DK lover by any means but brother your build is looking super clean.

Speaker grill should be a cinch with a small flush trim bit, you already cut the slots in the wood right?

It's the cleanest and quickest build I've seen.
Thanks! I haven't cut the speaker grill at all. I decided to route it after the laminate was on there and just do it once. :) I have lots of laminate left over.

So I was looking to build a complete replica but its really expensive. The DK board and Sanyo 19" CRT would be ~$550. I saw on ebay someone was trying to sell a DK power supply for $200. Crazy prices!
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: bplail on May 20, 2016, 11:28:04 am
man that laminate has come up looking awesome! wishing i brought that before i brought the paint for mine. oh well, we will have to see how it turns out now haha
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: emphatic on June 11, 2016, 07:18:01 pm
Exceptional!  :cheers:
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on August 27, 2017, 01:19:59 am
I'm back! Last year I started to route the speaker grill and used the Jackobud plans. The result did not look very pleasing. I tried to make adjustments to follow the Gaetan plans but ended up chipping the laminate!  :( So I decided to put the project aside for a few weeks. Well weeks turned into months and the Donkey Kong has been sitting in my garage for over a year.

Today, I built another front speaker panel and laminated it with all the left over Donkey Kong blue laminate that I have. I'll route the speaker grill using the Gaetan plans tomorrow.

Also, I took an 8 week sabbatical at my work and I came back to this! This definitely provides some motivation to finish this thing!
(http://i.imgur.com/TT2qrWD.jpg)
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on August 28, 2017, 01:19:10 am
I laminated a new piece to be used for the front speaker panel. I'm cutting an angle along the top edge so the control panel rests flat on it. For this I need to make sure the laminate is facing up or the table saw will tear it up.
(http://i.imgur.com/MuZDSdN.jpg)

This is the jig that I built for cutting the speaker slots. Here are some notes:
(http://i.imgur.com/jNAePea.jpg)

I ran multiple passes of the router to route the slots. I was very careful not to plunge in and chip the laminate. Also, I did not need any stops for lateral movement. It was easy enough to watch the router bit and make sure it doesn't go past my pencil marks.
(http://i.imgur.com/2xzFBEn.jpg)

All done routing the speaker grill!
(http://i.imgur.com/BBDGUQd.jpg)

I was able to use a magic eraser to wipe away the pencil marks.
(http://i.imgur.com/t6PAPis.jpg)

Looks clean!
(http://i.imgur.com/3fQzyjT.jpg)

The back as well!
(http://i.imgur.com/Y49Jg9H.jpg)

There are no noticeable chips to the laminate which was what I was most afraid of.
(http://i.imgur.com/k7UoBcM.jpg)

Next week I'll paint the inside of grill black.
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: firedance on August 28, 2017, 07:22:37 am
awesome job on the grill, guess your painting the grill slots black ?
Title: .
Post by: ChanceKJ on August 29, 2017, 01:51:09 am
.
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: firedance on August 30, 2017, 12:12:00 pm
need new glasses  ;D
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on August 30, 2017, 01:10:43 pm
Seems a bit silly but I was having a hard time finding exactly where the coin sticker goes on the speaker panel.

There are lots of photos where its placed in various spots. I did see old barn finds where it was placed centered on the panel and was thinking this was likely the right spot. I began looking at old vintage arcade photos. I found one of Michael Jackson playing DK, etc. However, usually people were standing in front of the DK or the photo was of the screen and marquee area.

The following picture states its from an arcade room on the USS Enterprise in 1982 (National Archives). So from this it appears the sticker is centered on the panel like the old barn find pictures that I've seen.
(http://i.imgur.com/7cvgiI9.png)

Title: .
Post by: ChanceKJ on August 30, 2017, 04:29:01 pm
.
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on August 31, 2017, 02:50:43 am
awesome job on the grill, guess your painting the grill slots black ?
I painted the grill slots black.   :cheers:

The entire panel was taped off. Here I'm peeling off the last of the tape.
(http://i.imgur.com/52pGsX3.jpg)

The laminate is clean!
(http://i.imgur.com/0aNpPUM.jpg)

I placed coin sticker and installed speaker panel. Looking pretty good!
(http://i.imgur.com/b78QIpE.jpg)
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on September 03, 2017, 12:06:02 am
I've decided to look into buying a CRT for this to make it more authentic.

Anyway, I'm a newb to arcade monitors and I found a 100 volt 19" Nintendo Monitor (Mitsubishi) for $80. All I know is that its possibly been in a double monitor cabinet such as Punch Out and that it still works. It has some slight burn-in but likely not noticeable behind the DK bezel.

What concerns should I have? Will this work? I'm planning to pick this up on Monday. I'm not sure how to deal with 100 volts yet or other hardware I need. I may still hook up to PC but I'm also looking to get an actual DK 2-board set as well.

Here are some pics:
(http://i.imgur.com/Ys468xT.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/sH7Is9a.jpg)
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: Smoke-Inator on September 03, 2017, 04:59:35 pm
not sure all of the moving parts to get 100v power but one of the shops sells a nintendo 100v switching power supply for around $40.

the cab turned out nice...im behind you by a few weeks...got side tracked making the wife happy and building mud room cubbies.

Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on September 05, 2017, 01:18:01 am
the cab turned out nice...im behind you by a few weeks...got side tracked making the wife happy and building mud room cubbies.
Thanks! You definitely have to make the wife happy.  ;D
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: yotsuya on September 05, 2017, 01:20:08 am
not sure all of the moving parts to get 100v power but one of the shops sells a nintendo 100v switching power supply for around $40.

the cab turned out nice...im behind you by a few weeks...got side tracked making the wife happy and building mud room cubbies.

Which shop?
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on September 05, 2017, 01:27:51 am
Things just got real!
(http://i.imgur.com/gynqIiR.jpg)

I met a guy on Craigslist who hooked me up!

I picked up:
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on September 05, 2017, 01:34:12 am
Which shop?
I might be looking in the wrong places but I was having a hard time finding an iso transformer. New power supplies were easy to find though. I just lucked out today on Craigslist. Usually there's nothing on there.
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: Smoke-Inator on September 05, 2017, 10:45:46 am
the iso is a bit harder to find new, i ran across some a while back but cant recall where i found them
look like you got all the major parts.
mikes arcade should have the wiring harnesses you need

every now and then you can find a super harness (not sure the real name) on klov...they did a run a year or so ago and they combined all harnesses into one to be used by any nintendo cab

here is the link to the power supply
http://www.arcadeshop.com/i/545/nintendo-power-supply-conversion-kit.htm (http://www.arcadeshop.com/i/545/nintendo-power-supply-conversion-kit.htm)

care to offload any of that sweet loot?
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: Smoke-Inator on September 05, 2017, 11:57:21 am
https://forums.arcade-museum.com/showthread.php?t=350674
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on September 05, 2017, 11:37:14 pm
https://forums.arcade-museum.com/showthread.php?t=350674
Yep that would cover the power supply. However, if you come across a step-down iso transformer that goes from 120V to 100V then that would be cool to mention here.
Title: .
Post by: ChanceKJ on September 06, 2017, 01:40:44 am
.
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on September 06, 2017, 02:22:40 am
I'm lost, why are you looking for a 100v ISO? you have a pair of them in that picture.   Those Nintendo power supplies are all you'll need to power a 20EZ, that marque light, and whatever Nintendo boardset you want to put in the cab.
Sorry, there was a conversation that was going on when I was actually looking for an 100v iso. During this conversation, I ended up finding the two in the picture. However, I'm still interested to know if there are modern 100v ISO transformers out there.
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on September 07, 2017, 12:45:45 am
This is starting to become a restoration now. :) I've bought all of the cable harnesses for the TKG4 board such as video, sound, control panel, coin, etc. I also bought the bezel, brackets and bolts to mount the monitor. I could have saved money by making all the cable harnesses myself but "I ain't got time for that!" I'm hoping I get these before this weekend.

Also, I'll be adding all 5 carriage bolts on each side for mounting the monitor even though only 2 are used. Who knows... maybe someone will want to convert this cabinet some day and mount the monitor horizontally?  :dunno
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on September 11, 2017, 12:50:22 am
Originally, this was just going to be an RPi MAME build. So this past week, I've been undoing things such as removing battens in the back and routing out a 1/4" rabbet along the back sides to fit a normal size DK door.

Also, I wasn't planning to use any of the interior braces for the monitor or DK board from the Gaetan plans. So I had to build a template for these using the scale drawings that I printed last year. This template ensures that I install the panels supports exactly the same way on both sides of cabinet.
(http://i.imgur.com/l4zGdlm.jpg)

Also, I'm not so sure the monitor is fitting correctly using the Gaetan drawings. I've posted a question over to the Monitor/Video section:
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,155255.0.html (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,155255.0.html)

Here are the pictures of the dry fit for the monitor. I haven't glued down anything yet and can move or change sizes of the panels supporting the monitor, etc.
(http://i.imgur.com/6REDsR7.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/jirfPmc.jpg)

Finally, I got all the wires from Mike's Arcade for the DK board. I'm going to power this on next weekend and see what problems I have. :)
(http://i.imgur.com/KDsRw2k.jpg)

Finally, I'm going to fix the black paint inside the cab to better match a DK cabs.
Title: .
Post by: ChanceKJ on September 11, 2017, 03:48:57 am
.
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on September 11, 2017, 10:20:35 pm
The legit look is thanks to the measurements and plans that you and Gaetan put together. Of course others have been helpful too for other parts of the cabinet. You should consider adding a link to Tighe's measurements for placing the DK side art from here: https://youtu.be/e91NybttYBg?t=3455 (https://youtu.be/e91NybttYBg?t=3455) in your "So, You want to build a Classic Nintendo Cab?"

I have some questions about the DK PCB panel seen below in pic.

(http://i.imgur.com/QFL1cfd.png)

Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on September 18, 2017, 12:01:12 am
I worked on the back of the DK cabinet today. I needed to cut a rabbet along the back sides in order to fit standard size DK door (23" x 50.5"). This would have been much easier to have done this when I had cut out the sides but I originally wasn't planning for any of this. I think in 30 years you may not be able to tell this is a reproduction. :)

This is the jig I used for rabbeting the back sides with a router.

(https://i.imgur.com/XDkNNE0.jpg)

Here is the back assembled. I just need to paint this all black.

(https://i.imgur.com/AJYSG4O.jpg)

Also, shout out to behrmr! He's shipping me a coin box with surround, speaker grill, coin counter, service button, etc. It should get here on Thursday. Thanks!!

Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: Mike A on September 18, 2017, 08:52:59 am
This project was clean and well done from the beginning. You just made it 100x better with the addition of the PCB and the CRT. :applaud:
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on September 22, 2017, 01:48:32 am
This project was clean and well done from the beginning. You just made it 100x better with the addition of the PCB and the CRT. :applaud:
Thanks Mike!
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on September 22, 2017, 01:55:35 am
I painted the back and inside with a flat black paint. This might not be a good move as it seems to get dirty really easy. I think I may get a satin and paint another coat. Also, I installed some finishes.

(https://i.imgur.com/t6gFKzE.jpg)

I printed out the non-compliance FCC sticker and installed serial plate from behrmr. I want eventually install one that has the TKG4 serial number from the DK board that I have.
(https://i.imgur.com/nmo15DY.jpg)

Installed the speaker grill from behrmr.
(https://i.imgur.com/jLD8Y69.jpg)

Finally, I have these. Should I switch to these for the handles?
(https://i.imgur.com/qywZiy8.jpg)
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: yotsuya on September 22, 2017, 02:32:47 am
I’d keep what you have. It’s a very nicely done machine.
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on September 25, 2017, 01:47:56 am
I’d keep what you have. It’s a very nicely done machine.
I decided to keep what I have.  :)

I had a power-on party this weekend and we were able to hook up the DK pcb.

Here's a picture of what the best image we were able to get. I should have turned off light above for pic.
(https://i.imgur.com/daEhAM7.jpg)
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: Smoke-Inator on September 27, 2017, 01:44:32 pm
did you ever get the measurements for the pcb boards? i can get into my mario bros if you still need them
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on September 28, 2017, 03:39:23 am
No, I don't have measurements for that. Does Mario use same size board for the pcb to rest on as DK?
Title: .
Post by: ChanceKJ on September 28, 2017, 04:27:23 pm
.
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on September 29, 2017, 04:02:23 am
Yes, absolutely. the plastic ones you have look too...  "made in china modern mass produced".
Yeah, you're right. I'll work towards putting these in instead.

I started the process of taking the Sanyo boards out and recapping. Several folks use water to wash the entire monitor including the pcbs. I'm considering washing the pcbs. The rest of the monitor is clean enough where I don't want to risk anything.

(https://i.imgur.com/1tEks6k.jpg)

I replaced a single cap. Now just 23 more to go along with 3 resistors!
(https://i.imgur.com/13ttYuH.jpg)
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: wp34 on September 29, 2017, 10:32:34 am
That grill looks better than the one on my original cab.   :applaud: :applaud: :applaud:


Installed the speaker grill from behrmr.
(https://i.imgur.com/jLD8Y69.jpg)

Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on October 02, 2017, 03:19:46 am
I've recapped a monitor and it now has the dreaded vertical collapse problem.

I'm currently working through the logic in the Sanyo schematic that controls the vertical parameters for the monitor. I've replaced TR402, TR403, IC LA1464, and R216 that was blown up. Hopefully, this won't take too long to debug.

Also, posted this in the Monitor/Video section.
(https://i.imgur.com/jA4LF9q.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/G0BklC7.jpg)
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on October 03, 2017, 02:22:39 am
After testing caps, transistors and looking for broken traces (continuity tests), I then started testing all of the resistors and actually found a bad one at R473. Replacing this fixed the problem!  :applaud:

Now the monitor seems ok but now I'm not getting anything from DK board.  :banghead:

It seems there are two caps on the DK board that have gone bad. The other seem fine. I wonder if these could have gone bad when the Sanyo smoked and maybe caused a spike across the video signal cable? I'm not hearing any audio either.

I could really use a pattern test generator right now just to verify the monitor is good.

The follow pic looks good in person. That's the vertical refresh and I also have the brightness turned up.
(https://i.imgur.com/VP2TXPS.jpg)

Here's the bad resistor.
(https://i.imgur.com/p0GZTmZ.jpg)
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on October 05, 2017, 12:09:16 am
2 out of 3 power supplies I tried were bad. One was generating 16V instead of 24V on one of the outputs and the other was not generating 5V. The third power supply was good.

So now I'm able to see some output to the monitor which is good! So vertical collapse issue is definitely behind me. However, looks like I need to recap it yet again after I smoked it. Also, it seems new problems have a occurred with DK board. The Braze Highscore Save Kit has a self test and its indicating some RAM is bad. There were no errors before I smoked the Sanyo.
(https://i.imgur.com/2lSivIi.jpg)

So I'm going to look at replacing these chips and see what happens. If problem persist then I'll probably replace the Z80 as well.
(https://i.imgur.com/ZMWojkV.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/mdOUzpg.jpg)
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on October 06, 2017, 02:28:18 am
I talked to Scott from Braze Technologies and he stated the 40 on the screen is indicating that bit 6 (0x40 or b01000000) for the result is incorrect. I verified with the logic probe that bit 6 on the data path for all of these rams is tied to high. So likely the ram chips themselves are fine but possibly a problem with some buffer (e.g. ls245 at 6A) between them and the CPU.

Also, when I told Mike from Mike's arcade about this problem he immediately suggested that likely an ls245, etc. is bad and not the ram. It's kind of cool to see his experience on this as my debug is showing he is likely correct.

If you own a DK then I think getting one of these Highscore Save Kits from Braze would be a good idea to help diagnose problems.
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on October 13, 2017, 02:36:19 am
I'm finally making some progress. I've been cutting pins and replacing chips along the data bus until I found the culprit. I now have to go back and fix some of the pins I cut on some of the ICs. Hopefully, this resolves the last of the video problems seen in the pic below. Although, I'm not hearing any sound. Hopefully, that's easy to figure out.
(https://i.imgur.com/U4tCmXJ.jpg)

Desoldering ICs from a PCB is proving to be a total pain!!  :angry: The pic below shows the wire patch I soldered in to hook pins 1 and 19 together on a new LS240 chip. When desoldering the bad LS240, I ended up ripping up a pad and trace that connected pin 1 to pin 19. Kind of sucks to make more work for yourself when fixing stuff.  :)
(https://i.imgur.com/e1Bw8NT.jpg)

Here is the chip soldered into the DK PCB at 4N. If I had a better soldering iron then I would have installed a socket first.
(https://i.imgur.com/Z1y6IKH.jpg)
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on October 13, 2017, 06:16:12 pm
I know this is boring compared to the Cuphead thread. I'm pretty excited to see that one get done. :)
(https://i.imgur.com/H09vnWz.jpg)

However, I fixed the last pin that I had cut (well temporarily) and "Hell yeah!!". It looks to be working!! I've come back from a completely dead Sanyo (smoked it) and dead DK board to get here!!

It's interesting that fixing the data bus problem fixed my wavey picture problem too. I thought I was going to have to recap the monitor again. I haven't made any adjustments yet to the monitor but the picture is solid.
(https://i.imgur.com/frpkvd4.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/X7I94xs.jpg)

The green wire in the pic below is the hack I did to fix pin. I did this before leaving to work this morning to see if this was the last problem. Just found a random wire and soldered it in. I'm going to replace the chip entirely.
(https://i.imgur.com/8a9jwHN.jpg)


Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: leapinlew on October 13, 2017, 10:16:18 pm
omg. You got some serious skills and dedication. Honestly, 95% of the people here, especially me, aren't at that level. I would've replaced that monitor long ago. Good job, I'm sure it got frustrating at times.
Title: .
Post by: ChanceKJ on October 14, 2017, 03:27:30 am
.
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on October 15, 2017, 10:29:06 pm
omg. You got some serious skills and dedication. Honestly, 95% of the people here, especially me, aren't at that level. I would've replaced that monitor long ago. Good job, I'm sure it got frustrating at times.
Thanks leapinlew! My problems are not over yet. I've now lost sync with the monitor and have another problem to look at. :)

VERY Impressive.  :applaud:

It's kinda the unintended curse with these games once you start walking into the restoration territory.  I found that once i had to get into CRT's, old power supplies, and actual arcade PCB's my knowledge and skillset needed to increase drastically to stay on top of new challenges.  SOOOO worth it tho.  Now in an effort to not have to deal with a computer running a jigsaw package of software (like on my MAME cab) i'd much rather deal with something that plugs right into an edge connector and turns on. Sadly this comes a cost, there are so many cool ideas i've had for custom cab projects that have fallen by the wayside in favour of resurrecting an actual classic like my Robotron, Sheriff, or my Ghouls n' Ghosts.  In a way BYOAC was a gateway drug to get me over to KLOV.   Next up is a life on Pinside to do a full shop of my 1978 Playmatic. 

At any rate, I'm SERIOUSLY impressed with this build. I feel like i know the in's and out's of a Nintendo cab, and this one (much like a choice couple of others) is far and away one of the best i've ever seen.
Wow! Thanks for that! This definitely helps me to keep moving forward. I originally started this project because I thought it would be cool to have an arcade game in the playroom for the kids. This has turned out to be way more involved then I was intending.
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on October 15, 2017, 10:35:12 pm
After my perfect result... I started seeing a wavey/shakey picture but its only become worse. I have now lost sync with DK board. I tried adjusting the h-hold on the Sanyo but it went into HV shutdown. Its back up again. :badmood:

I'm going to replace VR1 and VR2 50K ohm pots on the DK PCB and hope this fixes it.

My big problem is that I don't know if the Sanyo is bad or if its DK PCB. I'm thinking DK right now.
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on October 16, 2017, 02:00:41 am
I got a chance to test VR1 and VR2 pots on the DK board.  VR1 seems shorted and VR2 works almost half way up to 16K ohms and then shorts out. So I'm optimistic that replacing these will solve my sync problem.
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: Paradroid on October 16, 2017, 10:40:44 pm
Some serious "can do" attitude and DIY commitment... diving into PCB and chassis repair as tasks within the overall project. Bravo! :cheers:
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: Mike A on October 17, 2017, 08:40:00 am
Yeah. I like it. No fear. I have done minor repairs and it is pretty cool to bring a dead game back to life. I have a Monaco GP that was working but now has issues. I am looking forward to diving into that monster PCB.
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on October 18, 2017, 02:54:51 am
Some serious "can do" attitude and DIY commitment... diving into PCB and chassis repair as tasks within the overall project. Bravo! :cheers:
Yeah. I like it. No fear. I have done minor repairs and it is pretty cool to bring a dead game back to life. I have a Monaco GP that was working but now has issues. I am looking forward to diving into that monster PCB.
Thanks guys! I think diving into your Monaco GP would be fun. :)
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on October 18, 2017, 03:04:42 am
I replaced the LS245 chip at 6A on the DK board. This is the one I had broken a pin on when debugging my data bus problem. I broke pins to see which IC was causing the bus line to always be tied high instead of normally going into either a high impedance state or providing inputs to the bus.

I desoldered the broken chip without breaking a pad and ripping up a trace this time!
(https://i.imgur.com/lkb0d8x.jpg)

I soldered in a new chip and it looks good.
(https://i.imgur.com/8OhmcPz.jpg)

Its a near perfect solder job except for pin 19 where the soldered flowed to the back of the pin.
(https://i.imgur.com/65SAZ5p.jpg)

I was going to solder in a socket but I really wanted to be able to better see the solder joints after to make sure everything looks good.
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on October 18, 2017, 03:17:48 am
Today, I went to a local gizmos store and bought a couple 50K pots for the DK board. I tested them right in the store to be sure they worked. They clearly weren't going to fit on the DK board but I didn't want to wait for new ones to be shipped to see if this is the last problem left.

Here is a pic of the pots that I temporarily attached to the DK board. I just soldered some black wires to the pot's leads and soldered the other ends to the PCB. Very hackey but they worked perfect!
(https://i.imgur.com/HufUd7g.jpg)

With these installed my picture is back!!!   :laugh2:
(https://i.imgur.com/3pf8Jmb.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/db3G2T6.jpg)

I'm cautiously happy right now. :) I'm hoping I can spend the weekend working on the cabinet to finish getting things ready to install this stuff.

Thanks to Buffett from Arcade Buffett (http://thearcadebuffett.com/ (http://thearcadebuffett.com/)) who helped me solve my last problem by suggesting that I focus a bit more on tweaking the v-hold knob. I almost took the Sanyo PCB out again to start figuring out why I was getting vertical scrolling. I had tweaked v-hold but apparently didn't play with it enough.
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on October 23, 2017, 03:50:49 am
This weekend I bought signed bottle of Billy Mitchell's hot sauce at the Portland Retro Gaming Expo. Maybe it will help me finish this cabinet. I'm interested in trying this out.
(https://i.imgur.com/J4Src9C.jpg)

Also, a guy I met from Craigslist dropped off a Radar Scope pcb that was converted to a DK. I'm going to convert it back to a Radar Scope for him. This should be a fun project. Should I blog this somewhere on these forums?

Here's the Radar Scope DK. The game itself seems like an unpolished version of the DK that I've been playing on my TKG4 board. Also, I've seen some intermittent video corruption and checked the VR1/VR2 pots and they are bad. So going to get board working before conversion.
(https://i.imgur.com/EAfM2SR.jpg)

Finally, starting to setup my arcade area in the playroom. DK will go right there! I'm hoping to finish in the next week or two!
(https://i.imgur.com/7Fqu1ky.jpg)
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on October 27, 2017, 03:49:43 am
The DK PCB is finally done! The pots for VR1/VR2 came in today and I've installed them.

(https://i.imgur.com/rourxqO.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/gYP0DPP.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/LqXlVjp.jpg)

Now I just need to install all of this stuff in the cabinet. However, going to first finish the DK to Radarscope conversion on TRS2 PCBs that I'm working on.
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: chris77 on October 27, 2017, 04:56:22 am
awesome, can't wait to see it finished  :applaud:  :cheers:
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on November 06, 2017, 02:57:31 am
I'll be getting back to finishing the DK build this week. So this is somewhat off topic but still related to DK! :)

I've taken a small break and over the past couple of weeks, I've been converting a DK back to Radar Scope (TRS2 4-stack) for a fellow arcade collector.

For this, I fixed bad ECL ram @ 5N causing sprite issues (vertical lines), undid 12 trace cuts (new jumps), removed over 10 jumps, changed out 8 caps, reprogrammed the roms, etc. Most of reworks is the re-enabling the hardware that draws the grid (VID) and twinkling stars (SOU).

Before:
(https://i.imgur.com/MvZPiyT.jpg)

After:
(https://i.imgur.com/vsANdM1.jpg)

After w/ correct proms.
(https://i.imgur.com/y0fZyno.jpg)

Anyway, I'm excited to get back to finishing the DK cabinet. The inside is looking really good. I haven't taken pictures of it yet but will.
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: emphatic on November 11, 2017, 05:57:26 am
Beautiful work.  :cheers:
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: zinger on November 19, 2017, 04:16:38 am
My new goal is next weekend to finish DK! I got side tracked again by another project...

I am honored to have had a chance to fix a Sky Skipper for fellow arcade collector. This was pretty cool! If you don't know the story of Sky Skipper then go here: https://www.skyskipperproject.com/ (https://www.skyskipperproject.com/)
(https://i.imgur.com/B9rJpTx.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/0rxHFsA.jpg)

Also, same collector put the Radar Scope pcb, that I converted back to from a DK, back in its home and it looks great!
(https://i.imgur.com/O154DPD.jpg)

Title: .
Post by: ChanceKJ on December 08, 2017, 03:26:57 am
.
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: yotsuya on December 08, 2017, 08:18:15 am
I kinda find it funny that the significance of the Sky Skipper board in your picture is lost on most of the people on BYOAC. :)    Well, mainly those who arn't also on KLOV, or huge Nintendo Nerds like me.  Not a bad thing, it just goes to show how something so rare is really only interesting to certain people.

You’re right, you are a huge Nintendo nerd. ;)
Title: .
Post by: ChanceKJ on December 08, 2017, 10:50:38 am
.
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: bplail on August 20, 2018, 12:08:18 am
This came out great! Love your work!
Title: Re: Yet Another Donkey Kong Scratch Build
Post by: javeryh on August 20, 2018, 08:11:40 am
The DK looks fantastic! My favorite cab.

Love the Radar Scope too - wish I had room in my house for more Nintendo cabs.